Manny Pacquiao criticizes Obama's stance on same sex marriage

Forbes Magazine's fourth most influential athlete Manny Pacquiao has chided US President Barack Obama for his endorsement and support of the legalization of same sex marriage.

Pacquiao, who is set to square off with unbeaten Palm Springs boxing star Timothy Bradley on June 9, believes Obama's endorsement on same sex marriage is not in conformity with what is written in the Bible.

After his fight with Mexican counter-puncher Juan Manuel Marquez last year, Pacquiao has turned to Bible reading following his so-called encounter with God in one of his dreams. The Filipino boxing star is now deep into a continuing Bible study which he conducts along with his team and supporters after each sparring or training session at the gym.

Pacquiao, who is a Congressman in the Philippines, is opposing the controversial reproductive health bill being deliberated in congress. He said certain provisions in the bill including some birth control methods are against the will of God. The Philippines is the only Christian country in Southeast Asia, and divorce is not allowed.

In his statement on Obama's endorsement of same sex marriage, Pacquiao said, he calls on societies to fear God and not to promote sin.

He quoted Leviticus 20:13 “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”

"God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, only if they so are in love with each other," Pacquiao quoted the Bible.

"It should not be of the same sex so as to adulterate the altar of matrimony, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah of Old," he continued.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao is now in the last three weeks of training in preparation for his fight with Bradley on June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

Earlier Pacquiao has announced he is due for retirement from boxing after two more fights. Boxing fans from around the world are hoping one of these fights will be against unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather, Jr.